Leeds Castle Grounds

20 pics. Leeds Castle in Kent that is. The long lake beside the castle and the path that passes the formal gardens and leads to the playground, maze, falconry display and a cheeky Jackdaw. Castle interiorshere. See the castle website and tickets are valid for a year of repeat visits, yay. In the meantime enjoy ~.

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This is “Elsie” the land train from ticket office to the castle entrance (50 pence each). The walk is about 10-15 minutes and passes through some pleasant gardens.

Approaching the castle.

The time of my visit coincided with a flower festival. More of that in another post.

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There is a cafe and restaurant and a small dog-collar museum.

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Past the cafe and restaurant are the gardens.

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And, the tiered gardens beside the long lake and a view of the playground fort.

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“This year I will be mostly wearing my nose in the air”. | “She will too, she’s such a boy. I’ve got a long skirt you know”

There is a maze (keep turning left) with a turret at the center. Beneath the turret is a grotto complete with sounds of the sea, a doom laden voice reciting doom laden poetry and a tunnel to the way out. 🙂

.“And what are you laughing at. Just because I’ve got a comical looking face. I’ll have you know that I’m part of the entertainment”. “They don’t give these umbrellas to just anybody”.

“From me, Jack Daw, and all the other birdies, we hope you enjoyed your visit and do come again”. 🙂

I believe I went here once as a child, but I was too young to remember it. I only know it from a photo on a grey day with an enormous moat, so I’m surprised to see all the grounds too! Lovely flower display, very skilled.

Ooh, I hadn’t thought of looking for castles down south (silly, really!). The sixth picture down is particularly lovely 🙂 How long did it take you to get there from London? I really rather fancy a go on that toy train…

There is a public transport travel suggestion on the website, but it is unreliable in winter. Alternatively, Victoria to Maidstone East, down the hill to Jubilee Square, turn right to the No 13 bus stop. About 2.5 hours or about 2 hours by car.

There is also Hever and Arundel. But, as far as know, Leeds is the only one that you can photograph inside.